Governor Dayton addresses a joint convention of the Minnesota legislature at his 2014 State of the State Address

Remarks of Governor Mark Dayton – As prepared for delivery
State of the State Address
Wednesday, April 30, 2014

When I ran for Governor four years ago, I promised “A Better Minnesota.” Tonight, I can report that the state of our State is better – much better -- than before. It’s better for us, and it’s better for those who will inherit it from us. But the economic growth and social progress we have achieved, also reminds us of the work we still have left to do.

Becoming a parent introduces a longer-term perspective. We begin to consider the effects of our actions not only on our own lives, but also on lives that will extend beyond ours.

Becoming a grandparent, as I did a year-ago, thanks to my terrific son and wonderful daughter-in-law, Eric and Cory Dayton, who are in the gallery tonight, adds another generation to that timeline. It also raises the stakes.

Somewhere down the road, my grandson and his generation will assess the state of the state we have left to them. They will decide whether we, through our actions or inactions, made their lives better. Let’s keep them in mind, as we choose our state’s path.

In my first State of the State, three years ago, I said, “I know what we must do to create that better future for all of us. To progress, we have to invest.

“We have to invest in more jobs. Invest in better education. In improved transportation. In the health of our citizens, our communities, and our environment. In the transformation of government services.”

In other words, we have to invest in growth, quality, and effectiveness.

JOBS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Well, we invested in jobs. Minnesota’s private sector and public sector both invested in jobs. We are blessed with so many outstanding businesses, located everywhere in our state, operating everywhere in the world – and who, during the past three years, rediscovered that they can be successful and profitable here in Minnesota. As a result, we have the 5th fastest growing economy in the country.

There are more than 2.8 million jobs in Minnesota today. More jobs than ever before in our state’s history. 150,000 more jobs than when I became Governor three years ago.

This economic growth is happening all over our state. A recent newspaper story was entitled, “Lots of jobs find a home on the prairie in southwestern Minnesota.” It said that, for example, Jackson County reported a 5 percent increase in jobs during 2013. The City of Jackson’s economic development coordinator is quoted saying that, “Everybody who is able to work, and willing, is probably employed.”

Jackson’s largest employer, AGCO, has doubled its workforce to more than 1,300. Nearby, HitchDoc, which manufactures automotive and farm equipment for 300 customers, has grown from a dozen employees to 140. “And I’m looking for another 30,” said the company’s owner, Brad Mohns. “I’m turning down work, because I can’t find enough employees.”

Some people believe there is no role for government in private sector expansion and job creation. To see that they’re mistaken, just look around Minnesota.

There would not be a new stadium under construction in Minneapolis without the financial support of the City and the State of Minnesota. 7500 construction workers will have jobs building that stadium over the next couple years. Over one-third of them will be people of color.

Located right next to the stadium will be a $400 million private sector development, the largest in a generation. It will provide office space for 5000 Wells Fargo employees, residential apartments, stores and shops, a hotel, and a new, two-block public park. Its construction will employ another 1000 Minnesotans. And that is just the beginning of the area’s revitalization.

After more than 25 years of dedicated service to the people of Minnesota, Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon has announced she will not seek reelection in 2014. During her time as Lt. Governor, Prettner Solon has distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for Minnesota seniors and Greater Minnesota – and she plans to continue that important work throughout the coming year. local government has laid the foundation for a Better Minnesota; the impact of her accomplishments will be felt for years to come.

Prettner Solon leaves mark on State of Minnesota after more than 25 years in public service

After more than 25 years of dedicated service to the people of Minnesota and the City of Duluth, Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon today announced she will not seek reelection in 2014. Prettner Solon will not seek a second term as Lt. Governor – a role in which she has led landmark efforts to improve the lives of children, senior citizens, veterans, and Minnesotans with disabilities. During her time as Lt. Governor, Prettner Solon has distinguished herself as a passionate, relentless advocate for Minnesota seniors and Greater Minnesota – and she plans to continue that important work throughout the coming year.

“It has been a great privilege, and my distinct honor, to serve the people of Minnesota as Lt. Governor,” said Prettner Solon. “I am proud of the many important achievements we have made over the last three years to build a better Minnesota, and I have no plans to slow down or scale back that work in the year ahead.

“Above all, my work on behalf of Minnesota’s aging population has been rewarding and productive,” said Prettner Solon. “When our elder population stays engaged, and active in their communities, they live longer, healthier, and happier lives. That creates a win-win-win situation for our seniors, our communities, and our state’s health care system. This administration has done nation-leading, transformative work to empower and improve the quality of life enjoyed by Minnesota seniors. I look forward to building on that important progress in 2014.”

Governor Mark Dayton today thanked Lt. Governor Prettner Solon for her distinguished service, and congratulated her on the many policy initiatives and administrative accomplishments she has championed that have improved the lives of Minnesotans, and set our state on course for a better future.

“Throughout her 25 years of devoted public service – as Duluth City Council Member and Council President, State Senator, and Lieutenant Governor – Yvonne Prettner Solon has been a courageous champion for the people of Minnesota,” said Governor Dayton. “Lieutenant Governor Prettner Solon’s tireless leadership on behalf of Minnesota's senior citizens and people with disabilities has greatly improved many lives. She has been key to achieving our administration’s primary mission: building a better Minnesota for all our citizens.

"I thank Yvonne for her invaluable service to our state, and I pledge my continuing support for the important initiatives she has championed as Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor,” Dayton said.